January has been slated as Glaucoma Awareness Month.  Though at this time incurable, the disease is preventable and can be halted in time to cause serious damage. Often referred to as "a thief in the night", the only symptoms of glaucoma are the actual loss of sight and blindness.  That is why it is so important to have regular eye check-ups.  The sooner the disease is detected, the less damage is done and the loss of sight can be minimized.  Though glaucoma is more prevalent in older adults, it can strike at any age. The Glaucoma Research Foundation lists the most common risk factors:

• People of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent 
• People over 60
• Family members of those already diagnosed with glaucoma
• Diabetics
• People who are severely nearsighted

If you fall into any of these categories, or know someone who does, it is important to maintain regular check-ups. As we grow older it is easy to attribute changes, such as vision loss, to the natural aging process. Don't take anything for granted and talk to your doctor about any changes. 

Do you or someone you know have glaucoma?  How did you/they learn about the disease?  What steps were taken to repair any damages and restore vision?  We look forward to all comments.

As far as winters go, the Chicago area has been extremely lucky this year. So far, temperatures in the 40s and lack of snow, have made it one one of the most tolerable winters in recent memory. Unfortunately, we all know that this will not last and won't be long before the thermometer dips below zero and we are covered in ice and snow.  For many, these attributes of winter are a nuisance; for seniors, however, they can jeopardize their safety, health and well-being.

If you know and/or care for a senior, there are some precautions and measures that should be taken to insure that they get through the winter season safely:

EXPOSURE: Due to poor health conditions and even certain medications, seniors can be easily susceptible to hypothermia. Especially for those with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, who tend to wander and may not be properly dressed.  Make sure that the individual has a warm coat, gloves, scarves and hats and that they used when going outside. Try to keep their time spent outdoors to a minimum.

FALLING:  Winter weather conditions greatly increase the chances of anyone falling, but more so for seniors.  Problems with balance may make slippery sidewalks impossible to traverse.  Remove all snow and ice and if possible, escort the individual through dangerous areas.  Remember that a simple fall for a senior can result in serious injuries.

DRIVING:  If at all possible, run errands for or drive the individual to appointments, errands, etc...If the senior must drive, make sure that their car is properly winterized and has an emergency kit inside, including blankets, flashlights, water... It is best to keep the kit inside the actual car (not the trunk) for easy accessibility.

HEATING:  Make sure that the individual's home is prepared for the winter months by having the heating system checked out in advance. Also, many seniors are on a fixed income and may choose to use space heaters to save money. Doing so increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. If a space heater must be used, it should be in perfect working order and used sparingly. 

DEPRESSION:  Seasonal depression, as it is now known, is quite common, especially in areas, such as Chicago, where the winters are long.  The lack of sunshine and physical activity takes it's toll on everyone, but for seniors, social isolation adds another level. Organize visits for seniors who may be housebound.  If the individual can travel, take them out to visit family and friends or even for a drive on a sunny day.

These are just a few of the areas where precautions should be taken. Keeping on top of weather forecasts is also very important to being prepared for not only yourself, but those you care for.  If you have any other suggestions or would like to share your experiences in this, or any other matter that regards seniors and care, we would love to hear them. 

When making a decision to move into a retirement community, assisted living or a nursing home, care and security are first and foremost, top priorities. However, the activities that takes place within those  communities are just as important.  They help to build and maintain a higher quality of life for the individual, as well as the group overall.
It is the responsibility of the Program Director/Activity Director of a community to organize and facilitate these activities. NAAP, the National Association of Activity Professionals, was organized to assist these directors in planning events and providing resources for ideas.  State and local chapters meet on a more regular basis, sharing ideas and experiences.
Though "having fun" is an important goal when creating activities, there are several other functions that are being considered, including:

• Socialization
• Physical Fitness
• Brain Fitness
• Mental Well-Being

All of these actions help to elevate mood by decreasing feelings of loneliness and depression. It can be easy for seniors to withdraw, especially if they have just moved into a community that is unfamiliar to them. Group activities are a key component to the socialization of an individual. It is no different than going to a new school as a child. Recess is the easiest time to make new friends; seeking out those who have similar interests. Having a good time together is a great way to build bonds that turn into friendships.
Offering simple exercises and physical activities is also very important in maintaining good health, which results in a better quality of life. Exercise in general strengthens the body, but it also helps to fight off depression, which is another issue that seniors must be aware of.  The activities can serve one or all of the purposes and still be fun.  A great example is Wii bowling.  It has become a staple in senior living communities across America.  Though it can be played alone, it is easily done as a group, or more importantly a team, allowing for exercise, socialization and even brain fitness.
With the help of national and local activity professional associations, ideas can be shared and spread much more easily. The sole purpose of these directors is to make the residents lives as full as possible, while having fun along the way.  They are just one, very important part to a strong and healthy community.

Do you know an activities professional?  Do you have unique ideas that you would care to share with others? Please leave comments and share your experiences with us.

   At The Pointe at Kilpatrick we would like to see more men residing among us. June is International Men's Fitness Month.  Created by Senator Bob Dole in 1994, the goal was to encourage men to take the initiative of preventive health care.  More often than not, men wait until illness strikes before seeing a doctor.  It is still a too common feeling among men, especially the older generations, that they appear as "strong".  Admitting illness or a decline in physical abilities is seen as a weakness.   Women, on the other hand, are more willing to discuss illness and health care concerns with friends, family and their doctors.  From an early age, women are encouraged to perform self examinations and be aware of their bodies.  We've all seen the pink ribbons that represent breast cancer awareness. It has become the norm for women to take control of their health with self examinations and regular check ups. 
    Unfortunately, men tend to wait until something serious occurs before giving in and seeing a doctor.  My father is the perfect example of that mentality. He was the breadwinner and nothing kept him from going to work, even illness. One winter he became very sick. Despite my mother's pleas that he go to the doctor, he insisted he was fine.  It was discovered, after the fact, that he had had pneumonia. His long time doctor was mortified to find out he never sought treatment.  For most this would be a wake up call, but not the case with my father.  Years later, my mother became concerned that he had diabetes. She urged him over and over to get checked out, but he refused. She recognized the signs, especially the fact that he was drinking large amounts of water, but was always thirsty. One morning he woke up and couldn't see, another sign of untreated diabetes. Not until then, did he ask to be taken to the doctor. 
    There are many national organizations that are promoting men's health awareness and fitness programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide some simple, but important steps for men to take. Some of these include:

• Pay attention to signs/symptoms (shortness of breath, rash, discharges..)
• Get vaccinated (old vaccines can fade, newer ones available...)
• Eat what counts (fruits, vegetables, lean meats...)
• Be physically active (2 1/2 hours a week at least)
• Get enough sleep (insufficient sleep is linked to many chronic diseases)
• Be smoke free (avoid smoking AND secondhand smoke)
• Get your check-ups (don't skip or postpone annual physicals)

Experts stress the importance of annual check-ups as key to preventative health care.  The Community Health Center provides current and helpful information for everyone. In conjunction with Men's Health/Fitness Month they listed some simple tests/screenings that can de done by a primary physician during a physical:

• Blood pressure
• Tuberculosis skin testing
• Blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes
• Urine analysis
• EKG
• Rectal exams
• Testing stool for blood
• Bone health assessments
• Sexually-transmitted disease screening

  As our bodies age, these concerns become magnified.  Multiple health issues can make treatments difficult or even impossible. Something like excessive weight gain can lead to heart problems, diabetes, arthritis,...By taking the steps now to prevent such issues, men can be in a better position to ward off the general symptoms of old age when the time comes.  How are you staying healthy? Any ideas or techniques you have used to keep yourself on the right wellness path?